Maria Shriver, an accomplished journalist, author, and former First Lady of California, has built a remarkable career and accumulated substantial wealth. With a net worth estimated at $200 million, Shriver’s financial success stems from her journalism career, her connection to the Kennedy family, and her divorce settlement with Arnold Schwarzenegger. This article delves into the details of Maria Shriver’s earnings and wealth, providing insights into her career, personal life, and financial journey.
Maria Shriver’s Net Worth: An Overview
Maria Shriver’s net worth is approximately $200 million. Her wealth comes from her extensive career in journalism and television, her inheritance from the Kennedy family, and a significant divorce settlement. Shriver has earned multiple accolades, including several Emmys and a Peabody Award, cementing her reputation as a respected journalist and author.
Early Life and Education
Maria Owings Shriver was born on November 6, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. She is the daughter of Sargent Shriver, a prominent politician, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, an activist and member of the influential Kennedy family. Growing up, Shriver was exposed to the political and social influence of her family, watching her uncle, John F. Kennedy, become President of the United States and later witnessing his assassination.
Shriver was raised in a Roman Catholic household and attended high school in Maryland. After graduation, she enrolled at Manhattanville College before transferring to Georgetown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies. Shriver’s interest in journalism was sparked during her father’s vice-presidential campaign in 1972, setting the stage for her future career.
Career in Journalism and Television
After graduating from college, Maria Shriver began her journalism career with CBS, eventually becoming the co-anchor of “The CBS Morning News.” She later joined NBC, where she co-anchored “Sunday Today” and anchored shows like “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline NBC.” Her journalistic integrity and dedication earned her several prestigious awards, including multiple Emmys and a Peabody Award.
Shriver temporarily stepped away from journalism after becoming the First Lady of California, concerned about potential conflicts of interest. She returned to the field after her tenure ended, although she became disillusioned with the American media following the death of Anna Nicole Smith. Despite this, Shriver rejoined NBC in 2013 as a special anchor focusing on women’s issues in America and occasionally filling in as a substitute anchor for “Today.”
Outside of journalism, Shriver has appeared in movies such as “Last Action Hero” and television series like “That’s So Raven.” She also served as the executive producer for the HBO documentary “The Alzheimer’s Project” and authored several books, including the bestseller “I’ve Been Thinking…: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life.”
Kennedy Family Fortune
As a direct descendant of the Kennedy family, Maria Shriver benefits from a considerable inheritance and assets held in trusts. The Kennedy family, often regarded as American royalty, has established financial structures that provide substantial income to its members. Shriver’s financial disclosures reveal income from assets like “Vornado Realty Trust” and “Vornado Realty Inc.,” each valued at $7.5 million. Reports suggest the Kennedys have collected over $170 million in dividends since 1998, highlighting the family’s substantial financial legacy.
Personal Life and Relationships
Maria Shriver met Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1977 at a charity tennis tournament, and the couple married in 1986. They had four children together, all born in Los Angeles. In 2011, Shriver and Schwarzenegger announced their separation, and Shriver moved out of the family home. The reason for their split was later revealed to be Schwarzenegger’s extramarital affair and the child he fathered with the family’s maid, Mildred Patricia Baena.
Shriver confronted Schwarzenegger about the affair after becoming suspicious, and the couple finalized their divorce in 2017. Following their separation, Shriver began dating Matthew Dowd, a political consultant and strategist who had worked on Schwarzenegger’s re-election campaign.
Divorce Settlement
Maria Shriver’s divorce settlement from Arnold Schwarzenegger significantly contributed to her net worth. Various sources estimate that Shriver received up to $200 million in the settlement, reflecting Schwarzenegger’s high net worth, which was at least double the amount she received. The couple handled the split amicably, sharing custody of their two underage children.
Real Estate Investments
Maria Shriver has been active in the real estate market, particularly after her divorce. In 2002, Arnold and Maria purchased a 6-acre property in Brentwood, Los Angeles, featuring a 14,500-square-foot home with a tennis court, pool, and ocean views. After their separation, Schwarzenegger continued to reside in this property.
Following the divorce, Shriver purchased an 11,000-square-foot home in Brentwood for $10 million, located near the former family home. In June 2022, she expanded her real estate portfolio by acquiring a neighboring property for $12.2 million. In 2017, Shriver reportedly explored purchasing homes for her two children who had recently graduated from university, eyeing properties collectively worth about $5 million.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Wealth Accumulation
Maria Shriver’s net worth of $200 million is a testament to her successful career in journalism, her strategic investments, and her inheritance from the Kennedy family. Her journey from a prominent political family to a respected journalist and author underscores her dedication to public service and media excellence. Shriver’s wealth accumulation is a result of her professional achievements, personal investments, and significant divorce settlement.
Shriver’s story offers valuable insights into the intersections of media, politics, and personal endeavor. Her ability to navigate and succeed in various fields serves as an inspiration for aspiring journalists, authors, and public figures. As Shriver continues to influence public discourse and advocate for women’s issues, her legacy as a media icon and dedicated public servant remains strong.
